Overview & Reviews

For years, the Mercury Grand Marquis stood as an example of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." The big Mercury, a slightly fancier twin of the Ford Crown Victoria, exhibited old-school automotive design with its stout but heavy body-on-frame construction, solid rear axle and softly tuned suspension calibrations. Its more modern American and Japanese peers, by comparison, featured lighter unibody architecture and fully independent suspensions.

The ride and handling performance suffered somewhat as a result, as the Grand Marquis just wasn't nearly as athletic as more modern rivals. But folks prized this Mercury for its roomy cabin, plush, quiet ride and bulletproof construction, not its ability to tear through a winding road at breakneck speed. It's no wonder that for decades its plainer Ford relative was the favorite of cab companies, police departments and fleet operators everywhere.

For the full-size sedan shopper who just wants a big, comfortable V8-equipped sedan and nothing more, a used Mercury Grand Marquis offers compelling value. Just keep in mind that it's affordable for a reason. Premium features like navigation, high-powered audio and Bluetooth are nowhere to be found, and competing large sedans are much more modern in their mechanical makeup and overall design.

Most Recent Mercury Grand Marquis
The most recent Mercury Grand Marquis generation began in 1998. Concurrent with the brand's demise, production ended after 2011. This full-size six-passenger sedan was generally available in two trim levels -- GS and LS. Going with an LS will typically get you more features.

Despite its 2-ton curb weight, the Grand Marquis was reasonably quick off the line thanks to a 4.6-liter V8 engine. Output varied somewhat during the car's run; models from 2003 and later typically had 224 horsepower and 272 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic was the only transmission available. Marquis models fitted with the optional Handling package (it was discontinued after 2007) received a power increase to 235 hp.

The Marquis received a variety of updates throughout the years. The biggest changes took place for '03, when the Grand Marquis received an all-new chassis with a redesigned front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering, all of which improved crash performance and handling. Antilock brakes were made standard that year, and front side airbags became available. Stability control was never offered, however. In general, we recommend shopping for one of these 2003-and-newer models.

For 2003 and '04, Mercury also offered the performance-minded Marauder, a name that harkened back to the 1960s. This blacked-out Grand Marquis featured a firmer suspension, big wheels, bucket seats and a four-cam, 302-hp V8.

On the road, the Mercury Grand Marquis delivered a soft, forgiving ride, but as expected, the handling was mushy. Ultimately, there was just no getting around this big sedan's decades-old design, substantial weight and large dimensions. Inside, the dated design and spotty materials quality were immediately apparent. The vehicle's chief strengths were its solid value for the money and the roomy, comfortable accommodations for five or six. A huge 21-cubic-foot trunk that could easily swallow a week's worth of luggage for a small family was another perk.

Past Mercury Grand Marquis Models
As for older Grand Marquis that followed the end of the previous model's long (1979-'91) run, the '92 Mercury Grand Marquis debuted with a restyled body and a new-generation, overhead-cam 4.6-liter V8 rated at 190 or 210 hp (with dual exhaust). We found that engine much smoother and more powerful than the ancient overhead-valve V8s it replaced. Minor improvements carried through to 1995, when a subtle face-lift yielded a new grille, lights, bumpers, trunk lid and dash. Not much changed after that until the next big update three years later.

User Reviews:

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  Great car for the money - 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By greytech - August 13 - 2:36 am

  This has been a great car. I bought it used with about 40000 miles on it and now I have about 100000 miles. While it is not an exciting car to drive it has proved to be very reliable, it uses no oil between changes,handles very well for a vehicle of its size. I commute about 20 miles to work about 75% interstate highway and I am averaging about 20 mpg, on long highway runs I have gotten as high as 26 mpg, but can usually count on about 24 mpg. If hope to keep this car another 10 years and when the time comes find another slightly used one.

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  Terrific Value In A Traditional Car - 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By hpr2 - August 10 - 4:13 am

  Ive owned 12 Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis sedans since 1989. I came across a 2009 Grand Marquis LS Ultimate Collection with just 8.400 miles on June 1, 2011. This car is not only the best full size Ford product Ive ever owned, but the BEST car Ive ever owned ! Say all you want about being dated, but these cars were a salesmans dream....no failure along the side of the road. Ever. The evolution from 2004 to 2009 was a continued improvement in ride and transmission driveability, shift points, etc. Ive just retired and feel set for many years to come. Remember the "special feel of an Oldsmobile" ? As long as I can, I will have the "special feel of a full size Ford product".

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  Interior Noise - 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By L C - August 3 - 10:30 am

  When my 2008 is upshifting or when it downshifts going up a hill there is loud roar coming from the engine area. Sounds like a fan blade roar. The road noise in the interior is so loud the radio must be turned up to a point that when I stop at a stoplight the sound is extremely too loud. My local dealer and factory rep says the car meets standards. I previously owned a 2002 and was very happy with it, but it was much quieter than my 2008. I am extremely unhappy with Fords lack of response to address this issue. I have driven other 2008 Marquis and all of them have these issues.

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  Id buy it again! - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By CSpringsDriver - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car off the showroom floor in 1996. It now has over 82,000 miles on it and has had no major problems. I drove it from NY to Colorado in 1999 with a fully loaded trunk and 2 dogs in the back seat. The car runs smooth and quiet with plenty of power. I like it because it has lots of interior room and the seats are very comfortable. Im definitely considering buying another Grand Marquis when the time comes to replace it.

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  Good large car - 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By nvboy24 - July 29 - 6:40 am

  Car is large, but safe. Dont care for drivers seat much. Very good MPG for a large car, better then my Camry-Toyota with a 4-cyl and feels safer too. And no problems. V8 is smooth as silk, Ford has done a good job!

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  LoveThisCar - 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By LovetheCar - July 18 - 6:16 am

  This car has been on an excellent car. I have used for many different things, including moving, and many, many long trips.....it averages out at about 20 mpg in the city. My four cylinder accord only gets a couple more mpg than that. I love it, but had to sell it to a family member a couple months ago, it has been a great car for her as well. I will definitly have another Grand Marquis. This was my fourth. All of them have been wonderful. Great fit and finish. The car still looks good even though its nearly ten years old. It has held up very well with a timeless design

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  Not Your Grandpas Car! - 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Wing Commander - July 3 - 4:56 pm

  After putting over 17,000 miles on the odometer in less than six months, I can honestly say that our Mercury Grand Marquis has performed flawlessly. The fuel consumption is excellent for an automobile of this magnitude and has been checked against a GPS for accuracy at extended speeds of 55 to 100 mph.The fact that it is rear wheel drive and fairly evenly balanced attributes to its beautiful handling characteristics. Probably one of the reasons that most highway patrol cars are of the same vintage. Anything less shouldnt even be considered when buying a new car if you keep safety, comfort, and dollar value in mind.

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  2000 grand marquis gs review - 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By Sam - June 27 - 3:36 pm

  Overall great car, had it two years did your typical maintanence. Spark plugs,coils,tie rods, sway bar links, shocks all around, and all new fluids do that you have an awesome car. I always know i can get in it turn the key and trust it to take me anywhere!. I drive alot too 35,000 miles in two years not once left me stranded

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  2002 Big M - 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By libsdad - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Excellent highway cruiser/with good fuel economy. Drove to FLA last summer (12 hour run) and did not feel beat when we arrived. Not a young persons car, but ideal for 50 and older crowd.

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  Grand Marquis - 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
  By mistategrad - June 17 - 2:00 am

  We have not been very happy with the interior quality of the vehicle. Both front doors have panels that have come loose. The car has a huge trunk and rides very well. It also has plenty of power. We average about 20 mpg.